STATEMENT BY LAU BEE JUAN, DELEGATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE 79TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 18 ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, SECOND COMMITTEE, 14 OCTOBER 2024

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Singapore aligns itself with the statements by the Group of 77 and China; the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS); and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Mr Chair,

2 The world today faces multiple crises that threaten to derail our progress in sustainable development. Our efforts to achieve sustainable development are being jeopardised by many challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and rising inequality. The 2024 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Progress Report paints a stark picture. With just six years remaining to 2030, our progress to date falls severely short of what is required to meet the targets of the 2030 Agenda. Only 17 per cent of the SDG targets are on track, and progress is even regressing for some goals. 

3 This is a sobering reminder of the need for urgent, transformative action from all countries to reverse these trends. We need to accelerate progress towards a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future. Singapore firmly believes that we can do more. Let me make three suggestions. 

4 First, we must step up our commitment to tackling climate change. We need to transform our ambitions into concrete actions, and ramp up global efforts towards reducing emissions. As a Small Island Developing State that is uniquely vulnerable to climate change, Singapore has been relentless with our transition efforts. Through the Singapore Green Plan 2030, we are enhancing energy efficiency, expanding green spaces, and promoting sustainable urban solutions. We have shifted towards a more secure and low-emission energy landscape. For instance, we have set up a Future Energy Fund to support infrastructure investments for our energy transition. We have also raised our carbon tax, and implemented strategies to foster a circular economy. 

5 Second, we need to build resilience, not just to climate change but also other global challenges, so that our communities can not only withstand, but also bounce back from impacts of environmental and socio-economic shocks. We need to invest in resilient infrastructure and develop comprehensive risk mitigation strategies to safeguard our future and promote stability. Technology and innovation are also key enablers in enhancing resilience. In this regard, Singapore is pioneering research in areas such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage, and advancing solar energy adoption. We are also accelerating economic growth by digitalising industries and businesses, and developing a digital ecosystem that helps our economy stay vibrant and competitive.  

6 Third, sustainable development cannot be achieved in isolation. It is critical that we, the international community, work closely together to make greater strides towards the SDGs. At the same time, we must also not forget that at the heart of the 2030 Agenda is the pledge to leave no one behind. As we ramp up our efforts towards 2030, we must ensure that sustainable development benefits all, particularly the marginalised and vulnerable. To this end, Singapore remains committed to working with other countries towards an inclusive and equitable future.  We continue to contribute towards such a future through our Singapore Cooperation Programme, which has trained almost 150,000 government officials from developing countries. Building on this, we have renewed our “FOSS for Good” technical assistance programme to support fellow small States in building capacities in various fields, including harnessing digitalisation for sustainable development. 

Mr Chair,

7 Our journey towards building a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future is a collective one, and we must remain united in our resolve to achieve the 2030 Agenda. Together, we can turn our vision into reality and build a world that reflects our highest ideals and deepest responsibilities. Thank you. 

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